Senator Larry Noble

Senate District 35

Following last week’s release of Governor Culver’s proposed budget, the Senate’s passage of a government reorganization bill was the most notable event in the Iowa Statehouse this week.

Because Iowa’s budget is built on the level of spending from the previous year’s budget, lawmakers are faced with an even bigger deficit as a result of too much irresponsible and unsustainable spending. The Legislature cannot adjourn this session until it has dealt with Iowa’s unprecedented $1 billion self-inflicted deficit.

Although the state reorganization plan is projected to save money, earlier this week the Governor was quoted in The Des Moines Register telling reporters not to nit pick over the numbers he used in his budget even though they were much more generous than the real numbers used by non-partisan analysts. He called the tens of millions of dollars in difference between his numbers and the real numbers “a minor difference.” This type of statement is of grave concern to me.

That is why  we offered over fifteen amendments to truly save additional money and provide a different perspective to the reorganization process. Since many of the proposals in the bill are short-term and some merely just shift costs around and save little money, we offered amendments that would fundamentally and systemically reform government. Unfortunately, most were defeated along partisan lines.

My goal is, and will continue to be, dramatically and systemically reforming government and saving the taxpayers more of their hard-earned money. Real government reorganization begins with the understanding that we must end the culture of excessive spending that has permeated state government the last three years.   I am committed to doing this on a bi-partisan basis. Here is just a sampling of the common sense amendments and solutions that Senate Republicans  presented during debate:

We offered to “sunset” all government programs over a four-year period. This would allow the Legislature and agencies to see whether each program is producing results. From there, sound, rational decisions can be made on whether to cut, modify or even continue a program.

We also want to force a two-thirds vote on the passage of all bonding bills in the Legislature. In the past few years, it’s been the bond spending that has increased our deepening financial hole. Had this rule been in place, the majority party’s unpopular temporary make-work program would not have been enacted. This idea alone, would have saved taxpayers $1.7 billion.

Another proposal the Senate Republicans put forward was that the Legislature pass a constitutional amendment that limits state spending to no more than 99 percent of revenues.

There was also a suggestion to end the practice of taxpayer-funded lobbyists, which continues to expand.

Another example would be to have the state auditor create measurements that oversee the reorganization process.

The Republicans in the House have already indicated they plan to offer an additional $290 million in savings, though it is unclear whether the House majority party will accept their plans or vote them down. Before any bill makes it to the Governor’s desk, identical bills will have to pass both chambers so there is  a lot yet to be decided.

Though some aspects of the bill are a positive step forward, we should continue to strive for fundamental, systemic reforms.  This opportunity still presents a wonderful chance to not only reorganize but also reduce government.  As always, I welcome your common sense ideas and suggestions .

I want to congratulate Charles Krogmeier on his confirmation to be Director of the Iowa Department Human Services, I believe he is very sincere in his efforts in making the Department  better and more efficient in serving those in need.

Thanks again for all the visitors to the Capitol.  The visits, e-mails, telephone calls and letters are always appreciated.

In closing, I want  to mention the heartbreaking and  devastating loss of a true American Hero, Army Captain Daniel Whitten, who gave his life in the line of duty in Afghanistan.  Please take a moment to think about him, his family and all service members protecting our freedom.